Join Us

The Passaic Optimist Club holds a number of events throughout the year to celebrate the achievements of young people and honor those who serve them and the wider community. The funds raised through these events go toward the scholarships we award each year that help youth attain their dreams of college and the greater opportunities higher education offers, and to supporting athletic programs and civic organizations that support youth.

We also hold events that simply bring the power of optimism into the community, such as: our Hot Dog Night, which honors the players of both the Passaic and Clifton High School football teams; our annual Essay Contest; and Youth Appreciation, Community Service and Beefsteak awards dinners.

We hold our regular meetings on the first Thursdays of each month at Garden State Ale House in East Rutherford beginning at 7:00 p.m., September through June. First-time visitors are welcome. With optimism also comes reverie and camaraderie.

Meeting Schedule

Thursday, Jan 18, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

Thursday, Feb 1, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

Friday, Feb. 2, 2018

Optimist Annual Beefsteak — Brownstone

7:00 pm

Thursday, Feb 22, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Youth Appreciation Dinner – Sevilla Restaurant, 505 Main Ave, Passaic, NJ. The cost is $35 per person. Click here to purchase a ticket.

7:00 pm

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Community Service Awards Dinner Sevilla – Tentative

7:00 pm

May/June TBD

Youth In Government Day Sevilla Restaurant – Tentative

12:00 pm

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Regular Meeting – Alexus Steakhouse, 955 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ

7:00 pm

June 28, 2018

Golf Outing – Ballyowen Golf Club

12:00 pm

Our Signature Events

Optimist Annual Beefsteak

Friday February 2, 2018 at 7pm at the Brownstone House in Paterson, NJ.
Those who dedicate themselves to education open invaluable doors for youth. Each year at our Beefsteak Dinner we honor our Person of the Year, someone in education or who supports education or who is dedicated to community service and has made a difference in the lives of young people, all while demonstrating an optimistic attitude. This years honoree is Mr. Frank Pratko.

$70 Per Ticket

Youth In Government Luncheon

Our Youth in Government Day enables more than 50 students from Passaic High School to spend a half-day embedded in the Passaic government administration to learn how government operates. Students are paired with members of the city’s mayor’s office or other government department or city Board of Education, based on their potential career interests. The day begins with a meeting with the Mayor in the City Council Chambers, followed by several hours shadowing their mentor for the day, and then a celebratory luncheon with guest speaker.

When: TBD

Annual Hank Opalka/Harold Ferguson Golf Outing

Our annual golf outing raises funds to support the Passaic Optimist Friend of Youth Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity. During the past year the Foundation awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to Passaic High School students, renewal scholarships to students in college and grants to several local athletic programs and civic organizations which serve the youth of Passaic. We welcome members and non-members alike as we enjoy a day on the links and dinner in the clubhouse.

Thursday, June 28 2018 – 11:30 a.m. registration and lunch / 1:00 p.m. Start/Scramble Format – Bally Owen Golf Club, Vernon, NJ. Register now

Zumba Charity Zumbathon in Honor of Antoinette Nicole Scholarship Fund!

This event was held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Backstage Performing Arts Center on 194 Park Avenue Rutherford, NJ.

If you would like to make a donation, checks are payable to The Passaic Optimist Club.

Youth In Government Luncheon

When: June 7, 2017 at 12:30pm at Seville Restaurant

Antionette Nicole Mobley Scholarship Wine and Dine Fundraiser

Eat! Drink! Give! Fundraiser at Zin Burger, 850 Route 3 West, Clifton, NJ. 20% of all purchases on June 6, 2017 will be donated to the Passaic Optimist Antionette Nicole Mobley Scholarship.

View / download jpg file for details